Dreaming of pristine landscapes, incredible adventures, and mouth-watering cuisine? Discover the best of New Zealand South Island tours with Travelmarvel and explore the unexpected delights often overlooked by other travellers. Whether you're drawn to breathtaking fjords or cosmopolitan cities, our journeys to New Zealand have it all. Read on to uncover the South Island’s best under-the-radar attractions. 

On Travelmarvel’s New Zealand South Island tours, enjoy front-row seats to the region’s world-renowned natural wonders. From rugged mountain ranges topped with snow, to turquoise-hued glacier lakes and lush forests, the South Island puts on a show.  

Just north of Dunedin, visit Koekohe Beach in Moeraki and discover what puts this mysterious location on the map. Scattered across the shore are clusters of spherical boulders, each weighing several tonnes and reaching up to two metres in height. Scientists have explained that the boulders formed over 65 million years ago, starting as pebbles or fossils on an ancient seafloor. According to Māori legend, the boulders were once great gourds washed up on shore when the Araiteuru voyaging canoe was wrecked centuries ago.   

At Lake Tekapo/Takapō, you’ll find yourself in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve – the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Gaze up at constellations and shooting stars in this light-pollution-free paradise. For something truly special, visit Tekapo Stargazing, where you can float in 38-degree Celsius hot pools while your guide shares ancient Māori myths written in the stars. 

Fiordland National Park, just over two hours’ drive from Queenstown, may not technically be a well-kept secret; however, it would be remiss of us to not to mention this show-stopping location. Set off on a cruise along the full length of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and admire unimpeded views of Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls. Keep watch for Fiordland crested penguins, little blue penguins – the world’s smallest – and kea (mountain parrot). Plus, look out for fur seals and bottlenose dolphins. This is one of the top cruises around New Zealand, and a must-do on every traveller’s wish list. 

While the Botanic Gardens and Avon River often steal the spotlight, the unsung hero of Christchurch is its superb culinary scene. For casual lunchtime dining, Riverside Market is an indoor market featuring 48 bars, restaurants and stalls from around the world. For dinner, the city’s smorgasbord of restaurants means there is something for everyone. Venture to The Terrace, the city’s vibrant dining and entertainment precinct along the Avon River, where a variety of upscale bars and restaurants offer everything from cool jazz bars to Mexican dining, Southeast Asian fusion and so much more.  

Over in the Central Otago region, discover countless wineries within easy reach of Queenstown. Renowned for its award-winning pinot noir varieties thanks to the region’s glacier-enriched soil and cold winters, be sure to sample a tipple or two as you hop between cellar doors. If you prefer to linger a little longer, stop in at a winery restaurant – like Gibbston Valley Winery – and savour a long lunch over a glass of Central Otago’s finest drops. 

Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, has been aptly named due to its abundance of thrill-seeking experiences on offer. A must-do on New Zealand vacations is the Shotover Jet. Hold on tight as your jet boat speeds through narrow canyons, performing heart-racing 360-degree spins on the Shotover River, reaching speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour.   

Prefer a slower pace? Set off to the inspiring beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak. The national park is home to an abundance of walking and hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Lace up your shoes, bring along a bottle of water and set off on the trail of your choosing, admiring stunning panoramas of New Zealand’s bushland, surrounding mountain range and vast glaciers. 

Accommodation on our New Zealand South Island tours is carefully curated to match the beauty of your surroundings.  

At Peppers Bluewater Resort at Lake Tekapo/Takapō, spend time unwinding on the patio, taking in the breathtaking surrounds of the famous lake and Southern Alps. In Queenstown, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-covered peaks of The Remarkables. Enjoy the superb location of the hotel, just a short stroll to the centre of town, where you will have an abundance of restaurants, bars and shops at your disposal. 

If you're wanting to explore further, New Zealand North Island tours offer their own charm – from geothermal marvels in Rotorua and the beaches of the Bay of Islands, to Māori cultural experiences and vibrant cities like Auckland and Wellington. 

Combining both islands into one extraordinary adventure is the ultimate way to experience the full diversity of New Zealand vacations.